1.Alexander the Great in 332 BC, overthrows the Persian Empire. Alexander dies, his empire is divided into 4 quadrants; Jerusalem falls into the Seleucid Empire quadrant.2.Antiochus Epiphanies IV (175-164 BC), a Selecuid ruler, launches a religious persecution of the Jews. Rebels lead by Judas Maccabeus retake the Temple, celebrating the first Hanukkah. See 1 and 2 Maccabees3.Hasmonean Dynasty – 140-63 BC. Descendants of the Maccabees. Semi-autonomous from the Seleucids conquered by the Roman Republic in 63 BC.4. Herod the Great – from Edom, not a Jew. Comes to power through support of Rome, 37-4 BC

Conversation: Discussion Questions

1.Have you ever come home as an adult? What was different when you did so? What was still the same?

2.Is the Jewish return from exile all that the people expected it would be? In what ways might they have been disappointed with the return?

3.Why is the rebuilding of the Temple so critical to Yahweh and to the Jews?

4.How are the promises of God fulfilled in this season? What are left unfulfilled?

5.God is always faithful in his promises, but also seems to often leave key promises unfulfilled (at least longer than we would like). Have you experienced this in your own life?

6.God often uses non-believers (like Cyrus, and perhaps Esther) to accomplish his purposes. Why is this?

If you have time, read the following passage: Malachi 4:1-6

7.What does the prophet say about the Day of the Lord? In what ways does this reference Jesus’ first coming? His return?

8.Who does Jesus say is the “Elijah who was to come” in the New Testament? Hint – Matthew 11:14